Meet The Backbone Team: Nadia Gruttemeyer

Meet Our Team member Nadia! Associate Osteopath at The Backbone Clinic:

Nadia qualified from the British College of Osteopathic Medicine with Masters Degree in Osteopathy and Diploma in Naturopathy.

Nadia follows a holistic and patient-centred approach thereby always ensuring and promoting the overall wellbeing of the patient. Nadia’s particular interest lies in the treatment of infants and young children as well as supporting women through their ante and postnatal periods. Nadia has worked alongside midwifes to support women through the process of birth as well as ante and postnatal examination of mother and baby. She is currently continuing her expertise in paediatric osteopathy at the Osteopathic Centre for Children.

What first attracted you to Osteopathy?

Growing up in an African Country, where the effects of poverty on society, health and children have been ever present and where medical care and facilities for most are inadequate has inspired me to choose a career in the medical field. I always had an urge to help people. To gain an insight into a medical career I completed a Paramedic Degree in Germany. It was during my hospital placement in the operating theatre, whilst observing a c-section, that I noticed the number of forces and stressors mother and infant go through during birth. I discussed my career opportunities with the doctors and nurses specifically concerning the care of mother and infant pre and post birth. I have had the privilege to follow and shadow a midwife for multiple births. Upon their recommendation I now have a very fulfilling and wonderful career.

What have you found most challenging since becoming an Osteopath?

Since beginning work as an osteopath, I have found the most challenging barrier to be public awareness of the profession. Osteopathy has a huge amount to offer the general public in supporting their health and wellbeing.

What’s your most memorable moment as a practitioner?

I have been very privileged to have had many memorable moments as an osteopath.

Personally, this is a very hard question to answer. If a patient walks through the door after their 1st, 2nd or 5th, 6th treatment and say how much better they feel, is always a memorable moment.

Early in my career I treated a patient suffering from low-back pain. Confirming a cause for the pain was complicated by the fact that the patient was suffering from early onset Alzheimer’s Disease and experienced a fall. It was impossible to determine if the fall was the cause of the pain or if something more sinister was happening. Following my instincts, I referred the patient for an x-ray. Two weeks later the patient called the reception to thank the clinic as the x-ray showed a lumbar spine fracture.

What surprised you most about the profession?

There is always something more you can do and something else to learn. That a condition or pathology manifests differently in everyone and therefore open-mindedness is essential.

Can you share a nugget of wisdom for well-being?

Don’t wait for the pain to become unbearable before seeking help – prevention is the best cure!

What are you doing when you aren’t working?

I really enjoy experiencing different cultures – especially through food. Therefore, cooking and creating healthy recipes is a big part of my day-to-day life.

I also enjoy spending time with my family and friends and looking after my little cousins.

Ballet has been a passion of mine since the age of 6 and I love nothing more than going to live performances.

What always makes you smile?

Smiley, happy people. Acts of compassion and gratitude. My beautiful dogs and, of course, seeing my patients improve!

Nadia works on Tuesdays and Thursdays at our Southgate Branch. To book an appointment with Nadia you can call the clinic directly on: 020 8886 8698 or to make an online booking please click here…